This card means more to me than most of my autograph collection, and that’s saying a lot for a highly touted prospect that never really materialized the way that was hoped. But! In 1991, my dad and I sat down with Tuff Stuff magazine and saw an article on “players that will signed by mail.” (Unfortunately, I don’t remember the exact name of the column.) That month, I sent cards to Cecil Fielder of the Detroit Tigers, Roberto Alomar of the San Diego Padres, and rookie pitcher Todd Van Poppel of the Oakland Athletics. And those three cards are the three that started me on my collecting autographs! It was a hobby that my dad and I were able to do together off and on (more off than on), for the next 28 years or so. And when he passed, I kept collecting autographs as a way to help memorialize and honor his memory.
Collected TTM in 1991.
Basics
- Positions
- Pitcher
- Major League Debut
- September 11, 1991
- Started for the Oakland Athletics vs the visiting Chicago White Sox at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. He pitched 4.2 innings, allowing 5 earned runs over 7 hits and 2 walks. He surrendered a home run to Carlton Fisk in a disastrous 5 run 4th inning that he was allowed to work his way out of. He also struck out 6 while facing 21 total batsmen.1
- Last MLB Appearance
- October 2, 2004
- Started for the Cincinnati Reds vs the visiting Pittsburgh Pirates at Great American Ballpark. He gave up 3 earned runs over 5 innings, registering 5 hits, 2 walks, 1 strike out, and gave up a home run to Jose Castillo in the 2nds inning. He would take the loss, leaving his record for the season at 4 wins and 6 losses.2
Teams Played for
- Southern Oregon A’s – Northwest League (A-)
- Madison Muskies – Midwest League (A)
- Huntsville Stars – Southern League (AA)
- Oakland Athletics – American League
- Detroit Tigers – American League
- Port Charlotte Rangers – Florida State League (A+)
- Tulsa Drillers – Texas League (AA)
- Omaha Royals – American Association (AAA)
- Oklahoma RedHawks – Pacific Coast League (AAA)
- Texas Rangers – American League
- Pittsburgh Pirates – National League
- Nashville Sounds – Pacific Coast League (AAA)
- Iowa Cubs – Pacific Coast League (AAA)
- Chicago Cubs – National League
- Louisville Bats – International League (AAA)
- Frisco RoughRiders – Texas League (AA)
- Cincinnati Reds – National League3
Career Stat Line
- ERA: 5.58
- WHIP: 1.55
- Wins: 40
- Losses: 52
- Games: 359
- Starts: 98
- Saves: 4
- Innings: 907
- Hits: 944
- Strikeouts: 711
Transfers
- July 16, 1990
- Signed by Oakland Athletics on a 3 year contract out of 1990 draft (1st round, 14th overall pick)
- August 6, 1996
- Claimed on Waivers from Oakland by Detroit Tigers
- November 12, 1996
- Claimed on waivers from Detroit by Los Angeles Angels
- March 26, 1997
- Released by Los Angeles Angels
- April 17, 1997
- Signed by Kansas City Royals
- June 20, 1997
- Released by KC Royals
- Signed to Minor League Contract by Texas Rangers
- July 17, 1997
- Traded by Texas Rangers with Warren Morris to Pittsburgh Pirates
- Rangers received Esteban Loaiza
- October 15, 1998
- Granted free agency, resigns with Pittsburgh on January 18, 1999
- November 22, 1999
- Granted free agency from the Pirates
- Signed as a free agent to Chicago Cubs.
- December 15, 2000
- Signed 1 year contract for 2001 season with Chicago Cubs to avoid arbitration.
- November 26, 2001
- Signed 3 year contract with Texas Rangers
- June 4, 2003
- Released by Rangers
- June 12, 2003
- Signs minor league contract with Cincinnati Reds
- November 2, 2003
- Granted Free agency.
- December 8, 2003
- Signs minor league contract with Reds.
- October 28, 2004
- Granted free agency
- February 14, 2005
- signed to minor league contract with NY Mets. Never suits up for any team in the Mets farm system. 4
Injured List
- March 30 – May 3, 2003
- Strained right groin